The acetate anion, [C2H3O2]−, is a carboxylate and is the conjugate base of acetic acid. The acetate ion is formed by the deprotonation of acetic acid:
CH3COOH, CH3COO− + H+
Sodium Acetate
Sodium acetate is inexpensive, and is usually purchased from chemical suppliers, instead of being synthesized in the laboratory. It is sometimes produced in a laboratory experiment by the reaction of acetic acid with sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydroxide to name a few bases which contain sodium.
CH3–COOH + Na+[HCO3]– → CH3–COO– Na+ + H2O + CO2
Potassium Acetate
It can be prepared by reacting a potassium-containing base such as potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate with acetic acid: 2CH3COOH + K2CO3 → 2CH3COOK + CO2 + H2O This sort of reaction is known as an acid-base neutralization reaction. Potassium acetate is the salt that forms along with water as acetic acid and potassium hydroxide are neutralized together. Conditions/substances to avoid are: moisture, heat, flames, ignition sources, and strong oxidizing agents.
